If the budget is too tight to send the kids to overnight camp, there’s plenty to do right here in JC—if you know where to look. We caught up with Joe Macchi, director of the Jersey City Department of Recreation, to get the lowdown on recreational options this summer.

“We have numerous activities,” Macchi says. “Field trips, volleyball, bowling, sprinklers, swimming, and indoor activities in the gym.” The programs run for five weeks, starting after the Fourth of July. “Summer is the busiest time of year for us,” Macchi says. “It’s challenging. After nine months of school, kids need to go out and play.”

For information on the summer sprinkler schedule, swim teams, open swim, and learn-to-swim programs at indoor and outdoor pools around the city, call (201) 547-5003. At the newly renovated Pershing Fields pool, a six-week program costs $40.

Tennis

Free clinics for boys and girls, ages 6-17 at various parks around the city in July and August. Tennis balls and rackets provided. (201) 547-5003